Singapore

[Updated Apr 2018]
Singapore is widely known to be an expensive city. In fact, a 2015 study cities it to be the most expensive city in the world. Yes, over Switzerland. Here’s how I navigate nomading in Singapore.

Transport

Public transit (busses and MRTs) is great in Singapore. The fare is by distance, and most trips would not cost you more than $1-2 USD. The roads are not bicycle-friendly, and the intense heat and humidity makes it unpleasant and challenging to do too much walking.

Fitness

If you’re living in the East, head to East Coast Park to walk, run, or cycle.

Work

Cafes

Coffee Bean and Starbucks’ wifi tend to make you re-login every half an hour.

Co-working Spaces

The Hub a free day or week pass. They have 2 central locations – HUB@CUPPAGE is by Somerset MRT, along Orchard Road, and HUB@PRINCEP is near to Bugis.

The Hive has “Try Out Tuesdays”, though what’s not advertised is that you can try it for a max of 3 times. They have a beautiful location with a rooftop deck, are located around the corner from hip Hongkong St, and across the street from Clarke Quay MRT. There’s also a second location in Lavender.

Libraries

I like the library@orchard or the National Library in Bugis. The latter can be so incredibly cold on the 5th floor, so I switch it up with the outdoors Hans Cafe on the ground floor. It’s also a good spot for a coffee break, but note that they don’t have power outlets.

See/Do

Gardens by the Bay. I didn’t quite like the indoor Cloud Forest, but I loved the Skyway. Both were in Hitman: Agent 47. The Supertrees have a great, free light show timed to music everyday at 7.45 and 8.45pm.

While at the Gardens, I guess you have to check out Marina Bay Sands that’s across the street. It’s an “integrated resort” i.e. a casino, hotel, and several shops and restaurants by Las Vegas Sands. Complete with a copy of Vegas’ Venice canals, it’s most famous for its infinity pool at the top. Grab a drink from one of the restaurant/bars at the top instead of paying S$23 to go to the Observation Deck.

Visit National Gallery, an integration of the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. Visit for the architecture, for the art, and for excellent Peranakan cuisine at National Kitchen by Violent Oon (reservations recommended).

Stroll and/or shop along Orchard Road. If you’re there from November, they put up extravagant Christmas lights.